Professional Learning
About Us
The Professional Learning Department serves as the district’s hub for growth—an engine that develops not just skills, but confidence, clarity, and collective purpose. Our work extends beyond traditional professional development. We help campuses create the conditions where adults learn well, collaborate deeply, and apply new knowledge in ways that elevate every student’s learning experience.
We believe the most promising path to student success is a thriving Professional Learning Community. When leaders and teachers learn together, take risks together, and stay committed to improving their practice, the entire system moves forward. Our team supports this work by designing meaningful learning opportunities, providing ongoing coaching, and partnering with campuses to turn goals into daily habits.
What We Value
- We focus on learning—not as a one-time event, but as a continuous process.
- We cultivate collaborative cultures—because professional growth is amplified when shared.
- We lead with results—using evidence from student learning to guide every next step.
Our commitments are simple but powerful: align learning to district goals and instructional frameworks, build shared understanding around effective practice, and support educators as they respond to the needs of all learners.
Contact Us:
Cathy Hinojosa
Director of Professional Learning
(210) 407-0112
chinoj2@neisd.net
Matt Ahlgren
PLC and Teacher Clarity Coordinator
(210) 407-0306
mahlgr@neisd.net
Sandy Guerra
Asst. Director of Professional Learning
(210) 407-0116
sguerr7@neisd.net
Angela Sherwood
PLC and Teacher Clarity Coordinator
(210) 407-0126
asherw1@neisd.net
Our Services
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Leaders promote and encourage effective implementation of professional learning through collaboration, ongoing support, and follow up to determine next steps.
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Leaders collaborate with the professional learning department in order to guide and support professional goals, student growth goals, and campus based initiatives.
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Teachers seek, attend, and engage in professional learning to enhance student achievement.
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Teachers utilize professional learning to seek clarity, enhance instructional practices and engage in the PLC process.
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Teachers implement strategies and instructional practices to meet the needs of all learners.
Collective Commitments
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We commit to professional learning opportunities that align to the DIIP and Instructional Framework that support campus based initiatives and Professional Growth Goals.
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We commit to instructional strategies that promote success for all learners.
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We commit to creating and facilitating a collaborative environment for all learners.
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We commit to professional learning that enables educators to build a shared understanding of effective instructional practices to achieve Campus Goals, Professional Goals and Student Growth Goals.
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We commit to professional learning that informs educator practice to make decisions in response to student learning.
Why it matters
When educators have clarity, collaboration, and support, classrooms transform. Students experience instruction that is purposeful, responsive, and anchored in meaningful learning. Teachers experience professional growth that strengthens their practice and renews their passion. Campus leaders gain partners who help turn vision into sustainable action.
The Professional Learning Department exists to make this possible. We are here to champion learning—for educators, for teams, and ultimately, for every student in NEISD.
Program Highlights
Our department supports educators across their careers and across content areas through three major branches of work:
Arts Integration:
We help teachers integrate the arts in ways that increase engagement, deepen processing, and strengthen essential skills like critical thinking and collaboration. The techniques we teach align with NEISD’s Instructional Framework and empower students to learn through active, joyful, hands-on experiences. Through professional learning, coaching, and dedicated campus support, we guide teachers as they use the arts to create dynamic, student-centered classrooms.
Beginning Teacher Support:
We believe teaching is the most important work there is—and that new teachers thrive when they feel supported, equipped, and connected. Our beginning teacher program provides mentorship, community, model practices, and reflective spaces that help early-career educators build confidence and grow in their craft. By investing deeply in their first years, we strengthen both the teacher pipeline and student outcomes.
Professional Learning Communities (PLCs):
We guide campuses in building high-performing collaborative teams that focus on student learning. PLCs help educators align on what students must learn, how to measure progress, and how to respond when students need support or enrichment. The process brings every team—core content, electives, support staff—into shared purpose. With a common framework and consistent structures, teachers become part of an interdependent system that ensures all students learn at high levels.
Additional Opportunities
Professional learning in NEISD isn’t confined to a single format or season; it’s a year-round ecosystem. Our department curates a wide range of experiences that meet educators where they are and inspire them to keep growing:
- Fall Conference – A districtwide day of learning, connection, and instructional inspiration.
- Super Saturday – Hands-on, high-energy sessions designed to build practical skills for Monday morning.
- Summer Series: Sharing the Vision – A multi-day learning experience focused on alignment, clarity, and preparing educators for the year ahead.
- Arts Integration Workshops at the Tobin – Immersive experiences that bring arts-centered pedagogy to life in a professional performing arts space.
- Virtual Sunset Sessions – Flexible, online learning that allows educators to grow at their own pace in the evenings.